On 1/25 I decided I was going to start taking the A.C.E. supplement. I totally meant to keep a log of what happened every day. This is what I remember of my first week:
Day One - I took one pill first thing when I got up. Didn't really feel jittery or anxious. Forgot to drink a lot of water (or watered down sweet tea) but didn't really notice anything major except that I was totally not hungry until around 5 that evening. I also noticed that I was super focused and had some serious energy. I've been chronically (by my own diagnosis) fatigued since I was like 23 and naps are a daily necessity for me to function like normal adults. That said, I noticed on this supplement I did not get easily distracted, and I could stay in the "zone" for hours which was great!
Day Two - Didn't take it. Immediately noticed I couldn't focus and I was tired. Genuinely tired. Hungry? I snacked all day. Still forgot the watered down sweet tea.
Day Three - Took one pill with breakfast (I think I had cereal). I didn't feel as "up" but I did still feel as focused and in the zone.
That's all I remember. I know I committed to not taking it every day because I wasn't sure how I was going to react to it and I didn't want to become addicted to the focused side-effect...if you can call it that. I didn't weigh myself either.
Since the first week, I've been taking the supplement off and on. Consistency is an issue with me because I tend to shy away from routines. But summer is right around the corner and if I'm going to put this body in a swimsuit and out on public display any time soon...I've got some work to do. So since tomorrow is April 1st, and the 1st is always a good day to start anything...I'm going to start this A.C.E. thing over...and...wait for it...wait for it...throw in a little...gasp...exercise. God that was so hard to type. Nothing too crazy. Just a little something to see if I can not feel so dragged down. This time around, I'll post every day so y'all can stay up on what's happening and I'm not going off memory. It will be more like a diary thing...probably a new blog devoted to my A.C.E. experience.
Okay. Well that's pretty much it.
TTFN
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Defining Your "Look" - The Upgrade Continues
Let's talk makeup...
One essential part of upgrading your look for women includes makeup. I dare say having a defined "look" is critical. It can make the difference between getting a job or getting that second date. I managed to inadvertently lose my look.
I moved and somehow managed to forget my makeup bag. I'm kicking my own butt on this one. So I had to figure out what I was missing and then go about seeking it out.
Top Priority: Sweet Temptations lip gloss collection by LORAC
This is a set of not 1, not 2, not 3, but SIX tubes of lip gloss. Why would anyone need six tubes of lip gloss? Because LORAC is the bomb! Plus, this collection was only available during Christmas and sold out faster than the speed of light...why...because one tube of LORAC Multiplex lip gloss retails for about $22...so to get SIX for $25 is a must buy!! Thank God for Amazon.
When I originally bought the collection, I divided it amongst my mom, sister and myself. So now I have a complete set all to myself...unless I feel like sharing again. ;-)
Next on the list is a good foundation. One that lasts long (long-wearing) and doesn't rub off easily. To combat the rubbing off, a good primer is key. I have oily skin so I need something to control that oil and hold my foundation...double duty if you will. This is why I love Iman!
When I was in Chicago, there is a Walgreen's pharmacy on Michigan avenue that has Iman products. I was tempted to buy what I needed there, but I was also holding out hope that I had packed my makeup bag and just couldn't find it. No luck. Should've seized the opportunity. Alas...
Two products you can't go wrong with:
Iman - Under Cover Agent Oil Control Primer
Iman - Luxury Radiance Liquid Makeup in Earth 4
For eyes, it's all about the brows.
Two essentials for great brows (in addition to a great wax and some concealer) are:
Anastasia Beverly Hills Tinted Brow Gel in Espresso
Urban Decay Brow Box in Brown Sugar
Use the brow gel first to shape and add a hint of color, then follow up with the brow box to fill in where your brows are lacking. It lasts all day long and your brows look perfect!
The other thing about eyes is avoiding eyeshadow creasing. Mind you there are lots of products on the market that have built in primers, but I loves me some Urban Decay eyeshadow primer potion.
This is the magic genie in a bottle. Seriously! Get it in original or Sin to add a little sparkle. Using it will change your life.
Finally, give yourself a little color. NARS blush in Taos is my absolute go-to blush. This compliments my dark skin tone, and even doubles as eyeshadow. The best ever!
Rounding out my new makeup bag are some other things I happened to be interested in trying (denoted by a *). Why not, right? Since I have to rebuild my collection from nearly scratch. Here's the list in full with what I've outlined above and what I'm going to try out. The goal is sophistication, allure, charm, and a hint of glamour.
Nails Inc - Holland Park Avenue (*)
NARS - Illuminator (orgasm collection) in Laguna (*)
NARS - Blush in Laguna (*)
NARS - Blush in Taos
Anastasia Beverly Hills Tinted Brow Gel in Espresso
benefit - They're Real! Mascara in Black (*)
Urban Decay - 24/7 Glide-on Lip Pencil in Midnight Cowboy and Gash (*)
Ulta
Iman - Under Cover Agent Oil Control Primer
Iman - Sheer Finish Bronzing Powder in Afterglow (*)
Iman - Luxury Radiance Liquid Makeup in Earth 4
Iman - Time Control Skin Tone Evener (*)
Urban Decay - Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Sin
Urban Decay - Eyelash Primer Potion (*)
Urban Decay - Lip Envy in Greedy (*)
Urban Decay - Brow Box in Brown Sugar
Don't forget, an artist is nothing without tools. Target is a great resource for ELF brushes (under $5 each) or you could go SK with it (Sonia Kashuk). Here are two great SK options that will last a lifetime!
Sonia Kashuk 7 Piece Brush Kit
Sonia Kashuk 10 Piece Haute Couture Brush Roll
One essential part of upgrading your look for women includes makeup. I dare say having a defined "look" is critical. It can make the difference between getting a job or getting that second date. I managed to inadvertently lose my look.
I moved and somehow managed to forget my makeup bag. I'm kicking my own butt on this one. So I had to figure out what I was missing and then go about seeking it out.
Top Priority: Sweet Temptations lip gloss collection by LORAC
This is a set of not 1, not 2, not 3, but SIX tubes of lip gloss. Why would anyone need six tubes of lip gloss? Because LORAC is the bomb! Plus, this collection was only available during Christmas and sold out faster than the speed of light...why...because one tube of LORAC Multiplex lip gloss retails for about $22...so to get SIX for $25 is a must buy!! Thank God for Amazon.
When I originally bought the collection, I divided it amongst my mom, sister and myself. So now I have a complete set all to myself...unless I feel like sharing again. ;-)
Next on the list is a good foundation. One that lasts long (long-wearing) and doesn't rub off easily. To combat the rubbing off, a good primer is key. I have oily skin so I need something to control that oil and hold my foundation...double duty if you will. This is why I love Iman!
When I was in Chicago, there is a Walgreen's pharmacy on Michigan avenue that has Iman products. I was tempted to buy what I needed there, but I was also holding out hope that I had packed my makeup bag and just couldn't find it. No luck. Should've seized the opportunity. Alas...
Two products you can't go wrong with:
Iman - Under Cover Agent Oil Control Primer
Iman - Luxury Radiance Liquid Makeup in Earth 4
For eyes, it's all about the brows.
Two essentials for great brows (in addition to a great wax and some concealer) are:
Anastasia Beverly Hills Tinted Brow Gel in Espresso
Urban Decay Brow Box in Brown Sugar
Use the brow gel first to shape and add a hint of color, then follow up with the brow box to fill in where your brows are lacking. It lasts all day long and your brows look perfect!
The other thing about eyes is avoiding eyeshadow creasing. Mind you there are lots of products on the market that have built in primers, but I loves me some Urban Decay eyeshadow primer potion.
This is the magic genie in a bottle. Seriously! Get it in original or Sin to add a little sparkle. Using it will change your life.
Finally, give yourself a little color. NARS blush in Taos is my absolute go-to blush. This compliments my dark skin tone, and even doubles as eyeshadow. The best ever!
Rounding out my new makeup bag are some other things I happened to be interested in trying (denoted by a *). Why not, right? Since I have to rebuild my collection from nearly scratch. Here's the list in full with what I've outlined above and what I'm going to try out. The goal is sophistication, allure, charm, and a hint of glamour.
Sephora
Dior - Vernis Sienna 428 (*)Nails Inc - Holland Park Avenue (*)
NARS - Illuminator (orgasm collection) in Laguna (*)
NARS - Blush in Laguna (*)
NARS - Blush in Taos
Anastasia Beverly Hills Tinted Brow Gel in Espresso
benefit - They're Real! Mascara in Black (*)
Urban Decay - 24/7 Glide-on Lip Pencil in Midnight Cowboy and Gash (*)
Ulta
Iman - Under Cover Agent Oil Control Primer
Iman - Sheer Finish Bronzing Powder in Afterglow (*)
Iman - Luxury Radiance Liquid Makeup in Earth 4
Iman - Time Control Skin Tone Evener (*)
Urban Decay - Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Sin
Urban Decay - Eyelash Primer Potion (*)
Urban Decay - Lip Envy in Greedy (*)
Urban Decay - Brow Box in Brown Sugar
Don't forget, an artist is nothing without tools. Target is a great resource for ELF brushes (under $5 each) or you could go SK with it (Sonia Kashuk). Here are two great SK options that will last a lifetime!
Sonia Kashuk 7 Piece Brush Kit
Sonia Kashuk 10 Piece Haute Couture Brush Roll
So that's the post for today. It will take some time to replace all that has been lost for me...but that's the beauty of new journeys.
TTFN
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)